Offering Hope for Severe, Persistent Asthma

St.Vincent Anderson Regional is one of only a few hospitals
in Indiana performing bronchial thermoplasty, a minimally invasive
procedure for severe persistent asthma.

For information or referral, please call 642-3301.

Dr. David Mares explained that bronchial thermoplasty does not cure
asthma, but it can reduce severe asthma symptoms in patients 18 years or
older who are not well controlled with standard asthma medications.

"Some people on aggressive asthma medication may begin to have side
effects that affect their health and quality of life. These include
weight gain or worsening diabetes," Dr. Mares said.

Bronchial thermoplasty involves a bronchoscope and a specialized
probe that heats the muscles around the bronchial tubes. The applied
heat decreases the muscles' ability to squeeze and tighten the airway.
The bronchoscopic procedure is performed in three visits, each treating a
different area of the lungs and scheduled approximately three weeks
apart.

"Bronchial thermoplasty has been shown to improve asthma control and
symptoms that may affect quality of life, including decreased severe
asthma attacks, reduced ER visits and hospitalization for respiratory
symptoms and fewer days lost from work, school and other daily
activities due to asthma," Dr. Mares said.

The hospital Foundation provided the funds needed to purchase the
specialized thermoplasty equipment for the Surgery Department.